By KIM STINEBAKER Senior Living Correspondent |
February 22, 2013

Today, there is someone turning 50 every seven seconds. In fact, the 50-plus demographic is the fastest growing demographic in the country. The 78 million baby boomers represent 28 percent of the U.S. population. According to 2010 U.S. Census data, almost 30 percent of boomers are single.

That's a lot of fish in the sea.

Sites such as OurTime.com have found a niche for its offerings and people are using its services with gusto.

"Users on our site, age 50 and over, more than doubled last year," said Lavinia Evans-Axel, general manager of People Media, owners of OurTime.com and Match.com. "Baby boomers are exploring dating and need their own space that allows them the freedom to not compete with younger faces."

She said sites that target older singles let them tailor how they post and communicate with one another while expanding their social circles.

"So many of our success stories will say they would never have met their partner without the site," Evans-Axel said. "It's convenient, you can do it at home and enjoy casual introductions, get to know someone online, meet for coffee and go at your own pace."

Houstonians like Debra and George agree. They met through Match.com in 2009 before OurTime.com existed.

"I didn't want to meet anyone in a bar," Debra said. "I liked everything about online dating. I felt in control of what I was doing and who I responded to and looked at me. Three years later and I'm living the dream with my 'happily ever after.'"

She said she didn't think she would ever want to date or marry again after being married to her match made in heaven.

Match.com boasts a large number of senior members and guarantees clients will meet someone special in six months. It offers a simple member set-up and is generally easy to maneuver. It provides five daily match suggestions.

EHarmony.com is designed to create long-lasting relationships and claims responsibility for 120 weddings a day. It offers a free personality assessment and has added privacy protection features.

OurTime.com is designed specifically for users age 50-plus and to inspire long-lasting relationships or companionship. Visitors can search without a membership, and it is easy to use, especially for seniors new to online dating.

Chemistry.com offers a matching based on personality and interpersonal chemistry and relies on user feedback to refine the matching process. It offers relationship advice from recognized specialists.

Creating an easy, comfortable experience is what these sites are all about, but they also are security-minded, as its users should be.

"Proceed, but always be cautious," Debra said. "Follow the rules about not giving out too much information and always meet in public places until you feel that it's safe to be alone.

"And, always make sure someone knows where you're going." Evans-Axel said her site, OurTime.com, prides itself in pouring resources into safety precautions behind the scenes and in educating its members.

Her team focuses on vetting profiles and preventing fraudulent activity on the site before it affects its users. They also offer advice for online and offline dating:

Don't send money to someone you meet online, especially by wire transfer. Keep in mind wiring money is like sending cash: The sender has no protections against loss. Scammers and con artists often insist people wire money, especially overseas, because it's nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money.

Don't give out credit card number or bank information. And never share personal information, such as Social Security number, address, phone number, etc.

Watch for these red flags from people that could indicate you're dealing with a scammer:

Quickly asks to talk or chat on an outside email or messaging service;

Vanishes from the site, then reappears under a different name;

Asks for your address under the guise of sending flowers or gifts;

Claims to be from U.S. but currently traveling, living or working abroad; and

Ever asks for money.

Report any suspicious activity or behavior to the dating site if you suspect suspicious activity or behavior.